You May Want to Choose a Quartz Countertop Over Marble After Reading This

February 10, 2019

When it comes to choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen or bathroom renovation, there are three major things you should consider: lifestyle, design aesthetic, and budget. While marble may be one of the most desired surface materials, it is a stunning choice, just not for every situation. Though, there is another option. A quartz countertop not only looks like marble with its own veining styles, but it also offers maintenance qualities that surpass the natural stone beauty. In this article, we will compare the two popular countertop choices and discuss why you might want to select quartz instead for your next project.

Quartz vs. Marble Materials

It is important to understand what exactly quartz and marble are, as their makeup and features will influence everything from colors to maintenance to cost. Quartz is considered a man-made product that is manufactured. Although it does consist of ground natural quartz or another stone mixture, it is then combined with resins, polymers, and pigments in order to create the desired look. On the other hand, marble is a natural stone that is quarried and carved from different regions all over the world. It is comprised of metamorphosed dolomite rock or limestone and comes in common to more rare types of marble.

One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose quartz is because it is an easier countertop to maintain. The non-porous surface will not soak up liquids or harbor bacteria, and that’s a big deal for kitchens and bathrooms. This means that your food prepping or morning coffee and makeup will not cause issues for your counter. And, all it takes is a mild soap and water to clean up messes, even on white quartz countertops. You will never need to seal it, and its heat resistance is another plus for both kitchen and bathroom installs when you are dealing with hot pans or flat irons. You can feel confident in your choice knowing that this super durable material is truly made to last and will not show scratches or etching with constant use.

Many know that with any high-end item, there will be higher maintenance involved. Marble is a porous material that is softer than other natural stones, which means that it is more susceptible to stains and will show watermarks and etching from acidic foods or drinks. Special cleaners are recommended since certain chemicals can damage the finish. Sealing and regularly resealing do not provide complete protection against stains but help buy you time when quickly cleaning up spills. While marble is heat resistant, it is not quite like quartz, so you will want to avoid placing anything hot on top of the counter to avoid possible cracks from the temperature change. Of course, with proper care, marble can also last for a long time, but you should expect and accept watermarks and potential stains with everyday use.

Quartz vs. Marble Colors and Styles

Another benefit of quartz is that it comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, and it exudes a high-end look and feel similar to marble. The manufacturing process allows for different patterns and textures, including popular choices like concrete or marble look quartz. Common colors include white, cream, gray, beige, brown, and black. Its pigments and patterns are consistent, so you can easily select your favorite from a sample at your local showroom. One thing to note is that it should be kept away from direct sunlight. A yellowing appearance may occur over time from UV radiation affecting the added resins and polymers in quartz.

Of course, marble is known for its traditional elegance and luxurious looks. The natural colors and veining of each slab is completely unique and individual. However, because of the variations, every single piece must be chosen, as colors cannot be selected from a sample. If you fall in love with something you saw in a magazine, online, or in another showroom, then remember that it may be difficult to replicate it. Also, marble tends to darken in color as it ages, so you will need to consider if you will still love your countertop later on in life.

Quartz vs. Marble Costs

Quartz is typically similar in price or even less expensive than marble. The average quartz countertop cost per square foot is $55 to $75. However, since it is a heavy material, the labor costs might actually be slightly higher due to a more complicated install, but the seams should line up well since it is a manufactured product. You are looking at approximately $3,500 to $3,700 for the materials and installation of 30 square feet of quartz.

Marble is somewhat more expensive than quartz, especially for the limited types. The average price per square foot runs $60 to $100, and because of its varied patterns, it will be nearly impossible to match slabs at the seams. You are looking at approximately $3,800 to $5,000 for the materials and installation of 30 square feet of marble.

A final note to remember about cost is to not just look at it as adding resale value but as an investment that betters your daily lives. However, if you are considering selling your home soon or further down the road, it is important that the price range of product reflects the value range of your home. A higher-priced quartz or marble should reflect a higher-priced house and vice versa.

Whether you have a hectic family life or are just too busy with work to worry about every little thing on your countertop, you probably want to opt for a quartz countertop instead. It provides a carefree environment that marble just can’t compete with. Not only is it more affordable, but also the engineered stone allows you the freedom to choose a solid color, a nature-inspired pattern, or even a luxurious marble look. On the contrary, some still prefer marble. Even though homeowners have been warned about the stone’s high-maintenance requirements, they are still attracted to its one-of-a-kind allure.